ICA Director of Development - College of Fine Arts

Carnegie Mellon University•Pittsburgh, PA

About The Position

Carnegie Mellon University’s College of Fine Arts is seeking an inaugural ICA Pittsburgh Director of Development to design, implement, and grow a comprehensive fundraising program supporting the museum’s expanded exhibitions, programs, and operations, in anticipation of ICA Pittsburgh’s permanent home opening in early 2028. The position will build the museum’s philanthropic identity, fundraising strategies, systems, and donor engagement programs to support long-term success and expand its regional and national donor network. The Director of Development is a member of the College of Fine Arts Advancement team and works closely with the ICA Pittsburgh Director, ICA staff, and University Advancement colleagues. The role calls for a collaborative, entrepreneurial fundraiser who can build programs, cultivate donor relationships, and work with academic, artistic, and community partners. The position reports to the Chief Advancement Officer for the College of Fine Arts, with a dotted-line relationship to the Director of ICA Pittsburgh. The role is based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and may require occasional travel around the Pittsburgh area. Applicants must already be legally authorized to work in the United States; Carnegie Mellon will not sponsor an employment visa for this opportunity. Employment is regular, full-time staff work.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree required.
Seven or more years of progressively responsible fundraising experience.
Demonstrated success securing major gifts from individuals.
Exceptional relationship-building and communication skills.
Strategic, entrepreneurial approach to fundraising and donor engagement.
Strong organizational and project management skills.
Successful completion of a pre-employment background check.
Must be currently legally authorized to work in the United States; Carnegie Mellon will not sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa for this opportunity.

Nice To Haves

Advanced degree preferred.
Experience managing annual giving, membership, volunteer boards, or comprehensive fundraising programs.
Experience in museums, arts organizations, higher education, or cultural nonprofits.
Experience building or significantly expanding fundraising programs is highly desirable.
A combination of education and relevant experience demonstrating comparable knowledge may be considered.

Responsibilities

Develop and execute a comprehensive fundraising program designed to generate $500,000 or more in annual contributed revenue while building endowment support for the museum’s long-term sustainability.
Design and oversee the ICA annual fund in collaboration with the University Advancement Annual Giving team.
Manage a portfolio of major gift prospects and donors through qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.
Represent and advocate for ICA Pittsburgh across University Advancement and partner on major gift opportunities.
Partner with the College of Fine Arts Associate Director of Institutional Partnerships and University Advancement to secure foundation and corporate support.
Lead the development of the ICA Patrons Council and serve as its primary staff liaison, overseeing membership, meetings, fundraising, and engagement opportunities.
Develop and implement donor cultivation, stewardship, and fundraising events.
Coordinate donor communications and stewardship materials with museum marketing and communications staff.
Manage fundraising operations, including donor records, reporting, CRM utilization, and fundraising analytics, in partnership with University Advancement Record Administration.
Contribute to broader College of Fine Arts Advancement initiatives and priorities as needed and appropriate.
Perform other duties as assigned.